I have pleasure in inviting all members to the next South East Branch meeting. It will be held at Kensal Green Cemetery, London W10.
Founded in 1833, Kensal Green Cemetery is one of London’s most historic and atmospheric burial grounds. As the first of the city’s “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries, its full official name was The General Cemetery of All Souls and took its inspiration from the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. It was designed to provide a peaceful, park-like setting at a time when urban churchyards were overcrowded. Today, this Grade I listed site offers a unique blend of heritage, architecture, and nature, with grand Victorian monuments, tree-lined avenues, and a diverse array of wildlife.
The cemetery is also the final resting place of over 700 notable figures, including novelist William Makepeace Thackeray, engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and Sir Karl William Siemens an important industrial engineer and inventor in the 19th century. Their presence adds to the site’s cultural significance, offering visitors a chance to connect with some of the individuals who helped shape Britain’s history.
Located in London, Kensal Green Cemetery remains both a place of remembrance and a tranquil green space, inviting visitors to explore its rich stories and serene landscape.
The meeting will open with a talk on the history of the cemetery delivered by Kelly Farrington, General Manager and Registrar and a tour of the grounds is also included.
If you are interested in attending, please reserve your space by clicking the following link
The meeting will be sponsored by Plotbox
Lunch will be provided.
You can visit their website Kensal Green Cemetery – and West London Crematorium
For more information please contact the Branch Secretary, Heather White on heather.white@southampton.gov.uk